Simply Sri Lanka

Simply Sri Lanka

677 Views
8 Days From

$780

$663

Simply Sri Lanka

8 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Negombo, Dambulla , Sigiriya - Kandy, Kandy, Unawatuna, Unawatuna/ Galle, Colombo

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HPRS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $780 $663 Operator discount: -$117 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip.

Highlights

  • Check out the awe-inspiring Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a 200-metre-high ancient rock fortress that lies smack-bang in the middle of evergreen jungle.

  • Wander through the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, which houses one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relics – a tooth of the Buddha.

  • Get to know the gorgeous beach of Unawatuna, where you can either get active in the surrounding jungle or chill with a cocktail while lying under a palm tree.

  • This tour has the option of a 4WD safari through a park known for its wild elephant population. Seeing these big beauties in the flesh is unforgettable.

  • With these experiences you get local knowledge, decades of on-the-ground operational experience and the freedom and independence to explore at your own pace.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.

Day 2: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.

Optional Activities:
-Dambulla - Cave temples (entrance)
-Minneriya National Park (entrance)
-Minneriya National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax)

Day 3: Sigiriya - Kandy

Location: Sigiriya - Kandy

Meals Included: breaksfast

Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.

Included Activities:
-Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
-Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

Day 4: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.

Included Activities:
-Kandy - Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch

Optional Activities:
-Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
-Kandy - Botanical Gardens
-Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home

Day 5: Unawatuna

Location: Unawatuna

Meals Included: breaksfast

Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage. 

Optional Activities:
-Galle - Dutch Fort - Free

Day 6: Unawatuna/ Galle

Location: Unawatuna/ Galle

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and opt to cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach in Unawatuna for some more chillaxing or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. 

Included Activities:
-Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour

Optional Activities:
-Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar)

Day 7: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.

Included Activities:
-Colombo – Guided market visit

Day 8: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: breaksfast

Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights)

  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth

  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

  • Kandy - Lunch at Hela Bojun

  • Colombo – Guided Market Visit

  • Galle - Local train to Colombo

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 1 lunches

  • Kandy - Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch

  • Colombo – Guided market visit

  • Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
  • Colombo - Market Visit

Transport

  • MOTORCYCLES:
  • Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
  • TAXIS:
  • Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.

Important Information

  • 1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip and is valid for all nights on tour.
  • 2. Please provide your full passport details at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Mode of Transport

  • MOTORCYCLES:
  • Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
  • TAXIS:
  • Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.

    Beaches in Sri Lanka may be unpatrolled, so please seek local advice on where to swim safely.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$750 $675

Operator discount: -$75

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$770

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$780 $663

Operator discount: -$117

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
$795

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$750

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$780

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$810

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

May 16, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$785

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$820

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$850

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$850

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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